Centimeters In Length Research Articles

Automated combined unit with universal tillage adapter

The paper shows that using an automated combined unit with a universal tillage adapter for surface tillage represents a relevant and promising direction in the development of agricultural machinery. (Research purpose) The study aims to develop an automated combined unit equipped with a universal adapter designed to improve soil quality and increase the stability of the unit’s movement. (Materials and methods) The tillage adapter consists of two arc-shaped segments mounted at the front on a common axis that allows rotation. The rear sections contain a mini-hydraulic cylinder, which is remotely connected to the wireless actuator of the unit’s hydraulic system. The arcuate segments are equipped with replaceable cutting attachments and measure 25 centimeters in length. Mounted on a common axis with these segments, a holder is installed at the top at an angle of 40-45 degrees to the horizontal plane, while a saber-shaped slotter is positioned at the bottom at an angle of 15-20 degrees. (Results and discussion) It was discovered that the developed unit, equipped with an innovative adapter, facilitates three simultaneous operations: cutting the soil in a horizontal plane, loosening the soil, and eliminating weeds. Additionally, the working width of the device can be automated adjusted from the tractor cabin. The design of the unit improves tillage quality, increases movement stability, protects segments from wear and reduces manufacturing costs. (Conclusions) The proposed combined soil tillage unit provides crumbling, leveling, rolling and slicing of soil, and improves soil infi ltration. The location of the holder and slotting device with an inclination to the horizontal plane of 40-45 and 15-20 degrees, respectively, reduces the traction resistance of the unit and reduces energy costs.

Feeding rate in adult Manduca sexta is unaffected by proboscis submersion depth.

Adult moths from framily Spingidae (i.e. hawkmoths or sphinx moths) commonly feed on flower nectar through an extended proboscis, often several centimeters in length and longer than the body of the moth. Feeding on a viscous liquid (nectar) through a long and narrow tube is a challenging fluid dynamic problem and the subject of long-running scientific investigation. Here we characterized the relationship between proboscis submergence depth and nectar drinking rate in Manduca sexta hawkmoths. Video recordings of moth feeding bouts were collected and neural networks were used to extract data by object localization, tracking the location of the nectar meniscus and moths' proboscis tips. We found that although feeding rates vary among bouts, the variation was not associated with proboscis submergence depth. These results show that despite the theoretical possibility of fluid uptake through the walls of the proboscis, such effects do not have a substantial effect on nectar uptake rate, and suggest that nectar must traverse the full length of the proboscis.

Centimeter-scale nanomechanical resonators with low dissipation

High-aspect-ratio mechanical resonators are pivotal in precision sensing, from macroscopic gravitational wave detectors to nanoscale acoustics. However, fabrication challenges and high computational costs have limited the length-to-thickness ratio of these devices, leaving a largely unexplored regime in nano-engineering. We present nanomechanical resonators that extend centimeters in length yet retain nanometer thickness. We explore this expanded design space using an optimization approach which judiciously employs fast millimeter-scale simulations to steer the more computationally intensive centimeter-scale design optimization. By employing delicate nanofabrication techniques, our approach ensures high-yield realization, experimentally confirming room-temperature quality factors close to theoretical predictions. The synergy between nanofabrication, design optimization guided by machine learning, and precision engineering opens a solid-state path to room-temperature quality factors approaching 10 billion at kilohertz mechanical frequencies – comparable to the performance of leading cryogenic resonators and levitated nanospheres, even under significantly less stringent temperature and vacuum conditions.

Abstract 2264: Identifying and analyzing independent clonal populations in single Barrett’s esophagus biopsies

Abstract Barrett’s esophagus (BE) is a non-obligate precursor of esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC), often measuring multiple centimeters in length and characterized by columnar epithelium replacing normal squamous epithelium in the distal esophagus. Early studies in BE suggested that all cells within a patient’s Barrett’s segment are progenies of a single founder cell. However, in recent years this previously accepted model of BE as a monoclonal disease has been retired in favor of a multiclonal model with new evidence suggesting that a patient’s Barrett’s segment can be composed of multiple independent clones with independent founder cells. Nonetheless, single BE samples are still routinely assumed to be monoclonal, leading to independent sets of genomic aberrations erroneously being analyzed as a single set in the case of multiclonal samples. Here, we utilize a previously generated whole-genome sequenced BE dataset and repurpose an established pipeline for detecting subclonal populations to identify BE samples that are comprised of multiple independent clones. Additionally, we present a novel approach for validating multiclonality from sequencing data by phasing pair-end sequencing reads using germline variants. We demonstrate that 20/80 patients have at least one multiclonal sample and that the independent clones contained in these single biopsies can have drastically different genomic profiles. Further, we speculate that these multiclonal samples capture a snapshot of clonal competition and evolution within BE. These findings highlight the importance of accounting for multiclonality when studying BE and provide the first systematic analysis of multiclonal BE samples. Citation Format: Mariya Kazachkova, Phoebe He, Ludmil B. Alexandrov. Identifying and analyzing independent clonal populations in single Barrett’s esophagus biopsies [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 2264.

Development of a new fast drying determinant method using resistivity for the industry of coconut shell charcoal briquettes

The charcoal briquette industry faces the problem of the method for determining the drying stop during its production. The combustion method as the main method is time-consuming. The test needs 3 hours to get the result. In order to find a new fast method for drying determinant, the resistivity method was proposed for rainbow coconut shell charcoal briquettes. The briquettes had a length of 3.8 cm, height of 2.2 cm, and width of 2 cm with a half-tubular top side. 50 samples of each three drying conditions (wet, half-dry, and dry) of the same drying batch were collected. These conditions were determined by a drying expert of a coconut shell charcoal briquette company. Then, the resistances were measured and the geometrical factor was applied to find their resistivities. A model of resistivity in the cross-sectional layer was also applied to find the coefficients of front-tail, base-top, and side-side directions. These coefficients became a special way to find the position of the wet part in half-dry briquettes. The results of the work show that resistivities in combination with their distribution can potentially be used for fast drying stop determinant. The wet and dry briquettes have a resistivity difference order of 102. The resistivities of the wet and dry briquettes are 450 kiloohms and 28 megaohms for every centimeter of length, respectively. The half-dry and dry briquettes have the same order of resistivities. However, the resistivity distribution of both conditions is very different. The dry briquettes have homogenous resistivities among the measurements emphasizing the drying process of the solid. It was also found that the half-dry briquette has a surface dry part until 0.55 cm depth. The center of the briquette is still wet

Surface stress can initiate environment-assisted fracture in metals.

Controlling environmental effects in surface plasticity/fracture of metals is of interest for areas as diverse as manufacturing processes, product performance, and structural safety. The key to controlling these effects is understanding the effect of adsorbates on surface energy (γ) and surface stress (f). While γ has been well studied, the role of surface stress has received much less attention. We characterize surface stress induced in metals by adsorption of organic monolayers. Linear alkanoic acids of varying chain length (3-18) are deposited by molecular self-assembly onto one side of an aluminum cantilever, several centimeters in length. The surface stress is estimated from in situ measurement of the cantilever deflection. We find that the organic adsorbates induce large surface stress of -4 to +30N/m. Furthermore, we show that f may be tuned by varying adsorbate-molecule chain length. The stress data explain beneficial embrittlement of metal surfaces by organic adsorbates in cutting and comminution processes, and point to a critical role, hitherto ignored, for f in environment assisted cracking (EAC) phenomena. Our results suggest opportunities for utilizing controlled environment-assisted fracture as an aid-fracture as a friend-to enhance material removal processes, apart from using surface stress itself as an experimental probe to explore various manifestations of EAC.

DNA Barcoding of Anchovy in Tuban Regency as Database of Indonesian Marine Genetic Diversity

Anchovy is the main catch and the primary consumption of coastal communities in Indonesia, and its production shows an increase of more than 10% in 2021. Tuban district, in East Java, Indonesia is part of the WPP 712 (Wilayah Pengelolaan Perikanan or Fisheries Management Area) and highly produces anchovies’ fisheries. Anchovy has a small size, making it difficult to identify morphologically. This study aimed to genetically identify anchovy samples obtained from North Java (Tuban) waters. Molecular identification was conducted by utilizing Cytochrome Oxidase Subunit I (COI) gene using jg-HCO and jg-LCO primers. This study observed 12 individual samples with 623 base pair sequence length. Five species were obtained, namely four species of anchovies (Encrasicholina heteroloba, Encrasicholina punctifer, Stolephorus waitei, and Stolephorus insularis) and one species of sardines (Dussumieria elopsoides) with 99.84-100% similarity to NCBI sequences data. Anchovies typically have a streamlined body with a slightly compressed shape. Anchovies have cycloid scales, which are smooth-edged and relatively small, ranging from a few centimeters to around 20 centimeters in length. Some of the genus from the Anchovy group are Encrasicholina and Stolephorus. The phylogenetic tree reconstruction leads into four clades with a genetic distance between clades of 17,9-24,5 %. This research provides methods and data on the genetic diversity of anchovies taxa caught in Tuban, East Java. The findings are expected to support promoting new standards for healthier and more sustainable anchovy stocks in the country. Overall, this study contributes to providing valuable insights for fisheries management and conservation efforts in Indonesia.

Large females connect Atlantic cod spawning sites.

The Earth's ecosystems are increasingly deprived of large animals. Global simulations suggest that this downsizing of nature has serious consequences for biosphere functioning. However, the historical loss of large animals means that it is now often impossible to secure empirical data revealing their true ecological importance. We tracked 465 mature Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) during their winter spawning season and show that large females (up to 114 centimeters in length), which are still found in mid-Norway, were characterized by more complex movement networks compared with smaller females. Large males were sparse but displayed similar movement patterns. Our finding implies that management programs promoting large fish will have positive impacts on population resilience by facilitating the continued use of a diversity of spawning habitats and the connectivity between them.

Paediatric thoracic actinomycosis presenting as back swelling: A case report

Presentation: A seven years old girl presented with a three-day history of cough and fever, and several weeks of back pain, anorexia and weight loss. Examination was significant only for a tender, non-erythematous swelling to the right mid-back measuring ten centimetres in length. Diagnosis and treatment: Investigations on admission included neutrophilia and elevated inflammatory markers. Chest radiograph demonstrated a confluent area of opacification within the right peripheral lower zone with a small pleural effusion. CT reported two large enhancing and infiltrative lesions in the right thorax and the right posterior lower ribs, and disseminated lymphadenopathy. Microbiology and histology of a tissue sample were conclusive for actinomycosis israelii. She had a full recovery following a nine month course of oral amoxicillin. Discussion: Invasive actinomycosis is rare, and a high clinical suspicion and thorough investigation is warranted with invasive pneumonia and atypical associated symptoms. Keywords: Actinomycosis; Pneumonia; Chest wall mass; non-accidental injury.

Understanding the spatio-temporal evolution of fractures in pillow basalt

We investigated the origin and spatio-temporal evolution of cooling fractures in pillow basalt which undergo thermal contraction after their eruption in an aqueous environment. Through a computer-based simulation using Fourier transformation, the thermo elastic stress displacement profiles within individual pillow units are determined. The scaled model (pillow diameter - 1 meter) generated radial, linear fractures perpendicular to pillow margin and irregular discrete flaws in the pillow interior like the ones observed in natural examples. Radial linear fractures of 3–5 centimetre in length have been measured in pillows of average one-metre diameter from the Maradihalli region, in the Chitradurga Schist Belt, India. An estimated time of 94–118 minutes was required to get radial fractures of similar length in the simulation. Our model efficiently replicated the generation and distribution of thermal fractures and allowed an estimation of cooling time for the peripheral glassy zone but has limitations in deciphering the formation of fracture networks in progressively crystalline inner zone of pillows.

Pseudo-cubic trigonal pyrite from the Madan Pb–Zn ore field (Rhodope Massif, Bulgaria): morphology and twinning

Abstract. A new occurrence of pyrite crystals with rhombohedral habit, up to several centimeters in length, is described from the Madan Pb–Zn ore field (Rhodope Massif, south Bulgaria), where it constitutes a late pyrite generation. As observed in the past in other deposits, the ideal rhombohedron is derived from the pyritohedron by suppression of half of its faces (six “polar faces”) around a ternary axis. In studied crystals, together with six main “equatorial faces”, additional minor faces correspond to cube faces as well as polar faces. Such a dissymmetry indicates that the crystallographic point group of these crystals is 3‾, a subgroup of the eigensymmetry 3‾2/m of a rhombohedron taken as geometric face form. Twinning by metric merohedry confirms such a symmetry decrease and permits the definition of this type of pyrite as a dimorph of cubic pyrite, i.e., pseudo-cubic trigonal pyrite (pyrite-R). Twin operations belong to the set of symmetry operations absent in point group 3‾ relative to pyrite symmetry m3‾: reflection about the {100} plane or two-fold rotation about the <100> direction. Four twin types have been distinguished (name, chromatic point group): three contact twins (reflection, m′; rotation, 2′; trapezoidal, (m(2)m(2)2(2))(4)), as well as one penetration twin (crossed, 2′/m′). Composition planes always correspond to {100}, but there are two types of twin interfaces. More complex twinned samples may develop erratically during crystal growth. Other twin variations as well as genetic aspects of such a type of pyrite are discussed.

Metacarpal Lengthening Using a Mini-Ring Ilizarov Device for Thumb Reconstruction

To explore the results of using the mini-ring Ilizarov external fixator for thumb metacarpal lengthening and its compatibility with a simultaneous groin flap. From May 2016 to June 2019, 17 adult patients with thumb loss were treated with metacarpal lengthening using a mini-ring Ilizarov device. The device was composed of 2 rings, threaded rods, nuts, and K-wires (diameter, 1.5 mm). Of these patients, 6 also underwent simultaneous groin flap transfer. Lengthening was started 3 days after surgery at a rate of 0.66 mm/d. The pedicle of the groin flap was divided 1 month after the surgery. The healing index (days per cm), which denotes the number of days the external fixator is attached to the bone per centimeter of length gained, was used to evaluate the lengthening efficiency. The patients were observed for 21.9 ± 9.0 months. The lengthening continued for 29.1 ± 4.5 days, resulting in an additional length of 1.9 ± 0.3 cm. The mini-ring Ilizarov external fixator is a simple device for primary metacarpal lengthening. This device can be used with a groin flap for single-stage lengthening of injured thumbs with bone exposure. Therapeutic IV.

Cryo-ET reveals sarcomere structures at molecular resolution.

Muscles underpin movement and heart function. Individual muscle fibers can be very large syncytia of up to several centimeters in length and are comprised of the force-generating and load-bearing devices of muscles called sarcomeres. Contraction and relaxation of sarcomeres relies on the sliding between two types of filaments—the thin filament (comprising mainly F-actin, tropomyosin, and troponin) and the thick myosin filament. In addition, several other proteins are involved in the contraction mechanism and their mutational malfunction can lead to debilitating and even life-threatening diseases. In my presentation, I will explain how we managed to obtain high-resolution structures of native sarcomeres using cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET). Our cryo-ET reconstructions reveal molecular details of the three-dimensional organization and interaction of actin and myosin in the A-band, I-band and Z-disc and demonstrate that α-actinin cross-links antiparallel actin filaments by forming doublets with 6 nm spacing. Structures of myosin, tropomyosin, actin, and nebulin at up to 4.5 Å further reveal two conformations of “double-headed” myosin, where the flexible orientation of the lever arm and light chains enable myosin not only to interact with the same actin filament, but also to split between two actin filaments. The structures provide high-resolution details of the interaction between nebulin and actin, demonstrating the stabilising role of nebulin. Unexpectedly, nebulin does not interact with myosin or tropomyosin, but with a troponin-T linker through two potential binding motifs on nebulin, explaining its regulatory role. Our results provide unexpected insights into the fundamental organization of vertebrate skeletal muscle and serve as a strong foundation for future investigations of muscle diseases.

Hollow wire corrosion of stainless steel ropes in a marine mooring system and its relation to microstructure

AbstractIndications of corrosion were observed on ropes made of stainless steel type 316 in mooring systems of floating platforms in shallow tropical ocean water and doubts about the material quality came up. Routine investigations could confirm the type of alloy and the absence of sensitization, but the corrosion pattern was found unusual: individual wires of the ropes were found as hollow tubes many centimeters in length, which we refer to as hollow wire corrosion (HWC). Comparative investigations with a rope of the same specification from an arbitrarily chosen alternative producer revealed very similar susceptibility to chloride‐induced pitting but a significant difference in repassivation behavior of the two products. An electrochemical test was designed which could reproduce HWC under realistic conditions with one product while the other repassivated readily. By electron backscattered diffraction, the different susceptibility to HWC could be related to the very different textures of the wire materials of the two products, resulting from different manufacturing technologies.

Four-Dimensional Printing of Stimuli-Responsive Hydrogel-Based Soft Robots.

The present protocol describes the creation of four-dimensional (4D), time-dependent, shape-changeable, stimuli-responsive soft robots using a three-dimensional (3D) bio-printing method. Recently, 4D printing techniques have been extensively proposed as innovative new methods for developing shape-transformable soft robots. In particular, 4D time-dependent shape transformation is an essential factor in soft robotics because it allows effective functions to occur at the right time and place when triggered by external cues, such as heat, pH, and light. In line with this perspective, stimuli-responsive materials, including hydrogels, polymers, and hybrids, can be printed to realize smart shape-transformable soft robotic systems. The current protocol can be used to fabricate thermally responsive soft grippers composed of N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAM)-based hydrogels, with overall sizes ranging from millimeters to centimeters in length. It is expected that this study will provide new directions for realizing intelligent soft robotic systems for various applications in smart manipulators (e.g., grippers, actuators, and pick-and-place machines), healthcare systems (e.g., drug capsules, biopsy tools, and microsurgeries), and electronics (e.g., wearable sensors and fluidics).

Novel Approach for Management of Deep Space Neck Infections: a Case Report

When patients present with deep space neck infections, typically the treatment involves Incision and Drainage (I&D) with an extraoral incision that could measure several centimeters in length, as well as antibiotic administration. While this approach is effective in managing these types of infections, it is not without limitations. Most notably, patients treated with I&Ds often are subject to prolonged hospitalization due to sepsis and they complain of a permanent, unsightly scar in the facial or cervical region once healed. In this case report, a 28-year-old male patient presenting to the emergency room with a right mandibular space collection of suppuration is treated with a modified version of the Seldinger technique which provided adequate abscess drainage and a more cosmetically-pleasing outcome once healed. Furthermore, this patient was treated bedside under local anesthesia as opposed to in an operating room under general anesthesia. While this technique may not be indicated for every patient presenting with deep space neck infections, it is a less-invasive approach that was effective for this patient.

DISGUISED INGUINAL HERNIA

Abstract Introduction Liposarcomas are malignant neoplasms that originate in fatty mesenchymal tissue and are the most common histological subtype of soft tissue sarcomas. They account for 1% of solid tumors in adults and are located mainly in the extremities, with the retroperitoneum being the second most frequent location. Given the rarity and aggressiveness of these tumors, it is advisable to establish a multidisciplinary approach towards them in order to improve the prognosis of patients. Clinical case Patient who was operated upon on a scheduled and outpatient basis for a left inguinal hernia. During surgery, a preperitoneal tumor was identified that was removed and revealed a high-grade dedifferentiated liposarcoma. In a second surgical act, a tumor mass of about 10 centimeters in length was found, lodged in the left pelvis and contacting sigma, which extended into the inguinal duct and scrotal pouch. Finally, compartment surgery and a left orchiectomy with end-to-end colo-sigmoid anastomosis were performed. Discussion Routine examination of the masses contained in the hernial sacs is recommended since, despite their infrequency (<0.1%), cases of liposarcomas that have their origin in the inguinal canal have been described. Surgery for retroperitoneal sarcomas must be compartmental, which requires the inclusion of viscera close to the tumor in the resection. Complete surgical resection R0 is the only potentially curative treatment. Compartment surgery should be performed by expert surgeons in referral centers with multidisciplinary teams to improve the prognosis of these patients.

Nanoimprinting for all-polymer electro-optic waveguide devices

We performed the design and fabrication of polymer waveguide circuits, aiming for applications as electro-optic devices. Uniform waveguides with over one centimeter of length were fabricated by soft nanoimprint lithography. These multimode waveguides present a height of 3 µm and low surface roughness (2 nm), with a thin residual layer of 600 nm. Propagation losses at 1550 nm are estimated to be around 7 dB/cm.

Successful percutaneous catheter-directed treatment of high-risk pulmonary embolism: a case report

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is an acute cardiovascular syndrome characterized by high incidence and mortality. The therapy of this condition is based on anticoagulation and hemodynamic support, but in case of high-risk mortality, the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guidelines recommend systemic thrombolytic therapy and surgical embolectomy if thrombolysis is contraindicated or has failed; nowadays several percutaneous catheter-directed treatments for local thrombolysis or mechanical embolectomy are available, but they have IIa class of recommendation, because of lack of robust scientific evidence favoring their use. We described a case of high-risk PE treated with a novel percutaneous system for mechanical embolectomy, which consists of a large aspiration catheter that was advanced in the pulmonary artery, capturing and removing a vast thrombus, of 15 centimeters in length. This therapeutic strategy avoided the risk of hemorrhagic complications related to systemic thrombolysis, exiting in the achievement of fast patient hemodynamic stabilization and symptoms resolution, without complications. Computed tomography (CT) pulmonary angiography after 10 days from the intervention revealed the complete resolution of pulmonary artery filling defects, and the patient was discharged asymptomatic. Percutaneous catheter-directed treatments represent an effective alternative therapy for PE, but further studies are needed to demonstrate safety and superiority over the actually recommended therapy.

Chirality-selected crystal growth and spin polarization over centimeters of transition metal disilicide crystals

We performed a chirality-controlled crystal growth of transition metal disilicide NbSi2 and TaSi2 by using a laser-diode-heated floating zone (LDFZ) method. The crystal chirality was evaluated in the crystals of centimeters in length by performing single crystal X-ray diffraction as well as probing a spin polarization originating from the chirality-induced spin selectivity (CISS) effect. The crystals of right-handed NbSi2 and of left-handed TaSi2 were obtained in the conventional LDFZ crystal growth, while the left-handed NbSi2 and right-handed TaSi2 crystals were grown by the LDFZ method with the composition-gradient feed rods. The spin polarization via the CISS was observed over centimeters in the NbSi2 single crystals and the sign of the CISS signals was dependent on the chirality of crystals. The correlation between the crystal chirality and CISS signals indicates that the CISS measurements work as a non-destructive method for chirality determination even in centimeter-long specimens.